Authorities discovered the rebels’ alleged improvised explosive device (IED) factory in the bushy part of Barangay Patag in Ormoc City last Monday.
The fort was discovered with bomb-making tunnels in an operation conducted by the 802nd Brigade, 14th Infantry Battalion, and 93rd IB of the Philippine Army, also based on the revelation of surrendered rebel alias Saag operating in Leyte under Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
The military recovered inside the tunnel the leftover bomb-making elements and materials.
The surrendered member of the rebels is currently in the care of 14IB.
The corresponding process is also now underway to receive appropriate benefits and support to be provided under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for surrendered rebels.
This discovery of the IED factory and the surrender of the rebel was welcomed by Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the 802nd Brigade.
According to the official, this is an indication that many of the members of the rebel group have come to their senses and are now helping the government to end the insurgency problem.
He added that the rebel’s conversion to the government could be considered a victory but he said that they should continue to be vigilant and alert, especially since the bomb factory is only close to the community where people can be harmed.
IEDs factory of rebels discovered in Ormoc City
Oliveros further said that the IED factory is proof of violation of International Humanitarian Law and proof of the violent methods of the rebels to advance their plot.
In June 2020, the military entered a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) bomb factory in a remote area in Barangay Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur.
They seized 11 containers of ammonium nitrate and other explosive devices.
The area was discovered due to information received from a resident there.
With the amount of chemicals recovered, it can build more than 60 anti-personnel mines.
They are believed to be owned by the sub-regional center of gravity, sub-regional committee 3 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.
The use of anti-personnel mines is prohibited and a major violation of international law.
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